Cushion retention method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present application includes an assembly having a non-slip member and a corresponding edge treatment about a portion of an edge of the non-slip member. The non-slip member is configured to inhibit the undesired movement of a cushion on a corresponding furniture member. The assembly being located between the furniture member and the cushion. The edge treatment configured to retain the shape and perimeter of the non-slip member. Coupling of the edge treatment to the non-slip member may be done through stitching or adhesive. An optional stiffening member may be added. The individual portions and items of the assembly may be interchanged and replaced as needed.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to a furniture member having a cushion, and in particular to a method and apparatus for inhibiting undesired movement of the cushion relative to the furniture member.

2. Description of Related Art

Furniture members commonly include one or more removable cushions to increase the comfort of sitting. Various types of fabric and materials are used to cover cushions and pieces of furniture. Furniture relates to all types of cushioned sitting furniture including any one of couches, covered chairs, recliners, window seats, and love seats to name a few. Disadvantages associated with one type of cushioned furniture are commonly associated with the other types of cushioned furniture. A couch will be used for illustration of the present condition of the prior art. Often the fabric and material types for cushions and furniture are identical but may be known to vary depending on the style desired. It is common that cushions be detached from the frame of the furniture. This permits foldable beds to be accessed in sleeper couches, for example. The removable feature of seat cushions tends to cause problems on how to keep them from shifting and sliding during use.

Different methods have been developed to try and prevent the slippage of couch cushions relative to the couch itself. Some materials have higher friction coefficients that are less susceptible to slippage. However this material is not always ideal for use and under pressure can still lead to slippage. Attempts have been made to include an insert piece of fabric between the couch and cushion but such fabric typically becomes susceptible to bunching and creasing, thereby losing its surface coverage.

Other methods include the use of attached fastener. One type of fastener is a hook and loop fastener. These fasteners are integrally coupled to the couch and cushion, usually sewn in. These have numerous disadvantages, including at least the following: (1) the need to attach the fasteners, relatively permanently; (2) attachment may cause premature wear by necessitating the puncture of the fabric; (3) once integrated, a user needs to properly align the hook end with the loop end prior to contacting the loop ends to the hook ends; and (4) hook and loop fasteners tend to lose their strength over time and become ineffective thereby resulting in the need to remove and replace the fasteners.

Other fastening methods use rigid hooks and corresponding loops that are coupled to the rear portions of the couch and cushion. A user is required to release the hook in order to remove the cushion. These tend to have narrow attachment points to the couch and cushion and rip over time. Damage to the cushions and couches are typically common.

It is desired that there be a safe and effective method and apparatus for preventing slippage of removable cushions relative to a couch. Although great strides have been made, considerable shortcomings remain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An assembly and method for preventing slippage of a removable cushion relative to a furniture member. The assembly includes at least a non-slip member and an edge treatment for strengthening the edge and retaining the shape of the non-slip member when in use. The assembly increases the friction between the cushion and the furniture member such that movement is inhibited. One or more assemblies may be used on a single cushion.

A method of preventing the slippage of a removable cushion relative to the furniture member is provided. The method includes obtaining a non-slip member having one or more edge treatments. The position of the cushion is modified to permit placement of the assembly adjacent the furniture member. The assembly is aligned as desired beneath the cushion. The cushion is replaced. The edge treatments are configured to strengthen the edge of the member to prevent bunching and creasing during use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an anti-slip assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 2 is a perspective view of the anti-slip assembly of FIG. 1 beneath a cushion on a furniture member;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary side section view of the anti-slip assembly of FIG. 1 using stitching to attach an edge treatment to a non-slip material;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary side section view of the anti-slip assembly of FIG. 1 using adhesive to attach an edge treatment to a non-slip material;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary non-slip member in the anti-slip assembly of FIG. 1 with a plurality of apertures; and

FIG. 6 is a chart of the method of using the anti-slip assembly of FIG. 1.

While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The assembly in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional anti-slip methods and devices. The anti-slip assembly of the present application is configured to provide a layer of material configured to resist slippage from objects located on opposing surfaces of the material. The anti-slip assembly is further configured to include an edge treatment configured to strengthen the edges of the material to prevent bunching and folding when in use. The act of bunching and folding acts to minimize the available surface area for contact with the furniture member and cushion. The method of the present application is configured to permit the selective assembly and application of the anti-slip assembly between a furniture member and a cushion. These and other unique features of the assembly are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The assembly and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

The anti-slip assembly of the present application is illustrated in the associated drawings. The assembly includes a non-slip member configured to have an increased friction coefficient so as to minimize slippage along its surfaces. Also included is an edge treatment coupled to the non-slip member. The edge treatment strengthens and protects the anti-slip member, providing rigidity and preventing the undesired movement of the anti-slip member between the furniture member and cushion.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. FIG. 1 illustrates an anti-slip assembly 101 according to the present application. Assembly 101 includes a non-slip member 103 and an edge treatment 105 coupled together. FIG. 2 illustrates assembly 101 in communication with a cushion 107 and a furniture member 109 (i.e. a couch). Assembly 101 is sized to fit within the dimensions of cushion 107 and rest between cushion 107 and furniture member 109. Cushion 107 is inhibited from sliding relative to furniture member 109 by contact with member 103. Furniture member 109 relates to all types of cushioned sitting apparatuses including any one of couches, covered chairs, recliners, window seats, and love seats to name a few. For purposes of discussion, a couch will be used below to describe the assembly of the present application. It is understood that the assembly of the present application is not so limited to only couches, but that it is usable with all types of sitting furniture using a cushion.

Member 103 has characteristics that permit it to be flexible so that it can be conformed to a variety of shapes and contours seen with couches. Member 103 may rest directly on couch 109 or may rest on a suitable substrate used to remove depressions or cover holes in the surface of couch 109 (surface being directly below cushion 107). Member 107 is also resilient, to survive compression forces and stretching. Member 103 may also include a tackiness to increase its coefficient of friction to deter movement between couch 109 and cushion 107. This tackiness may be applied pre or post assembly to one or both sides of member 103. Member 103 is configured to not leave a residue on the furniture and does not harm or cause the deterioration of any type of furniture. Member 103 may be composed of various different materials that allow it to exhibit the characteristics above. An example of a suitable material is that of a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) or other polymer based product. The PVC may be applied to a mesh or fiber reinforced fabric to act as a coating.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3 and 4 in the drawings, exemplary side section views of assembly 101 is illustrated. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate different methods of securing or coupling edge treatment 105 to member 103. Edge treatment 105 is configured to increase the rigidity and strengthen the edge of member 103. As such, edge treatment 105 is applied to a portion of one or more edges of member 103 and secured in place. The act of securing edge treatment 105 to member 103 may be done in various different ways. As seen in particular with FIG. 3, edge treatment 105 may be coupled via stitching 111 or sewing. As seen in particular with FIG. 4, edge treatment 105 may be coupled through the use of an adhesive 113. Assembly 101 may further include adhesive 113 to create a bond with member 103. It is understood that some embodiments of assembly 101 may use a releasable adhesive to permit the removal of edge treatment 105 from member 103. Separation of assembly 101 allows for its repair and adaptation to fit other cushions and couches. Other forms of creating a bond may include welding. PVC tarps are a thermoplastic and are typically welded and stitched. It is understood that any combination of the above attaching methods may be contemplated.

As seen in both FIGS. 3 and 4, edge treatment 105 is configured to fold around and overlay a portion of both the upper surface and lower surface of member 103. Although the overlaying of both surfaces is not required, it is preferred in order to assist in strengthening the bond and rigidity of assembly 101. Edge treatment 105 need only couple to a single surface adjacent the edge. Edge treatment 105 may be described as a band of stiffened material. Materials suitable for use may be that similar in nature to member 103. It is understood that some embodiments may route edge treatments away from the edge of member 103. Although this is contemplated, it is desired to maintain as much surface area as possible in contact between cushion 107 and couch 109 and that of member 103.

To note, edge treatment 105 may optionally include one or more stiffening members 115. Member 115 are optionally added to help maintain a desired shape and form for assembly 101. Additionally, members 115 may assist in resisting the rolling or bunching up around the edges of member 103. Stiffening members 115 may be integral with that of edge treatment 105 or may be applied in a separate step.

Referring now also to FIG. 5 in the drawings, a top view of an exemplary non-slip member 103 having a plurality of apertures 117. The material of member 103 can vary somewhat as discussed above. Member 103 may take different shapes and sizes. Although the overall outline may be adjusted, member 103 may be configured to have a varied underlying pattern. Member 103 may include tight knit or tightly threaded material, thereby forming a sheet. In another embodiment, member 103 may include one or more apertures 117 in a more open mesh framework to assist with flexibility and stretching. In FIG. 5, the openings/apertures are relatively equally spaced throughout member 103. Other patterns or designs may be used. It is understood that the surface contours of member 103 may also be varied.

Using assembly 101 may be done in different ways. As a commodity, assembly 101 may be easily purchased as a single assembly, ready for application to couch 109; or as a customizable collection of individual parts and pieces. In order to prevent the slippage of cushion 107 relative to couch 109, a user may obtain a device 201 such as assembly 101 (preassembled). In this situation, application of assembly 101 would include adjusting the position of the cushion relative to the couch 203. The cushion may be completely removed or may be tilted, still resting a portion on the couch. Assembly 101 may be placed 205 adjacent to the couch. As stated previously, assembly 101 may be laid directly on a surface of the couch or placed on a type of substrate. The substrate being used typically to ensure a level surface to sit. The cushion is then replaced 207 on the couch once assembly 101 is laid as desired. It is seen from these simple steps that assembly 101 does not require the need to physically attach anything to the couch or the cushion. No tearing or damage will occur from using assembly 101 as seen with other common devices. If assembly 101 becomes worn or damaged, assembly 101 may be separate 209 as necessary to permit the re-use and recycling of usable items.

It is understood that it may be desired to permit the purchase and distribution of individual pieces of assembly 101 to allow for users to repair or customize their own assembly. Therefore, a method of using assembly 101 may include the step of adjusting the size of the non-slip member 211. Member 103 is configured to be cut or trimmed to size. A user may obtain a large sheet of member 103 and cut out multiple different individual members. A user may also take the step to couple the edge treatment to the non-slip member 213. This may be done pre or post trimming/cutting. As noted earlier, a user may also optionally add a stiffening member to a portion of assembly 101 as desired. After any of steps 211, 213, and 215 a user may proceed directly to step 203 and start the process of applying assembly 101 to the couch.

The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) use of an edge treatment to increase strength and prevent folding, bunching, and rolling of the edge; (2) customizable nature to fit any shape and size; (3) ability to reuse and recycle individual parts of the assembly; and (4) the ability to prevent the slippage of a cushion on a furniture member.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for preventing the slippage of a removable cushion relative to a furniture member, comprising: a non-slip member configured to prevent slippage of the cushion relative to the furniture member; and an edge treatment coupled to an edge of the non-slip material to prevent the folding, bunching, and rolling of an edge of the non-slip member; wherein the non-slip material and the edge treatment are located between the cushion and the furniture member to inhibit movement of the cushion relative to the furniture member.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-slip member is made from a poly vinyl chloride material.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-slip member is a mesh having a plurality of apertures.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-slip member is a single sheet devoid of apertures.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the edge treatment is sewn onto the non-slip member.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the edge treatment is bonded to the non-slip member with an adhesive.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the edge treatment is a band of stiffened material coupled to an edge of the non-slip material.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the edge treatment is configured to fold over the edge of the non-slip member.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an adhesive between the non-slip member and the edge treatment, the adhesive configured to bond the edge treatment to the non-slip member.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the edge treatment is reinforced with a stiffening member configured to provide increase rigidity and resist folding and bunching.
 11. A method of preventing the slippage between a cushion and a furniture member, comprising: obtaining a device having a: non-slip member configured to prevent undesired slippage of opposing objects; and an edge treatment coupled to the non-slip member and configured to maintain the shape of the non-slip member under stress; adjusting the position of the cushion relative to the furniture member to permit access to the furniture member below the cushion; placing the device adjacent to the furniture member; and replacing the cushion on the furniture member, such that the device is between the cushion and the furniture member; wherein the increased friction of the non-slip member is configured to inhibit undesired movement of the cushion relative to the furniture member.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: coupling the edge treatment to a portion of the non-slip member.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: adjusting the size of the non-slip member prior to attaching the edge treatment.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: inserting a stiffening member adjacent the non-slip member to provide increased rigidity.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the stiffening member is configured to be removable.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: removing the edge treatment from the non-slip member for replacement of at least one of the non-slip member and the edge treatment. 